fait accompli

[fe ta-kawn-plee] / fɛ ta kɔ̃ˈpli /

NOUN

accomplished fact

Synonyms

WEAK

a truth accomplished fact certainty cold hard facts done deal done deed fact of life grim reality hard facts irreversible accomplishment irreversible act irreversible truth matter of fact reality self-evident fact undeniable fact

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet the majority is trying to avoid a fait accompli.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Even though everyone assumed his return was a fait accompli, there were a few red flags around.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2025

But his promise to review consultant contracts that have been normally regarded as a fait accompli is a good start, some observers say.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025

By 2019, his survival was seen as a fait accompli, even as his most recalcitrant enemies, including HTS, remained in control of territories in the north of the country.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2024

Sometimes it is necessary to present one’s colleagues with a policy that is already a fait accompli.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

fait accompli

Example Sentences

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